Hello. I'm pretty new to the forum but I've been lurking and reading for some time. I've been a 1911 fanatic for a long time and I think I would like to get an AR now. This forum is great and its been very helpful to me trying to make a decision!
I have a question.....after reading the posts here, talking to friends who have AR's and doing some research, I'm pretty sure that I want to get a Bushmaster for my first AR. The problem is I live in a rural area with a pathetic gun store or two and no decent gun shows even remotely close by. Can anyone here please recommend some dealers, especially on the net, who carry BM's. I've checked the auction sites, but from what little I know about pricing they seem pretty high for the most part. I'm also considering the LEGP, but it really isn't exactly what I'm looking for (but close).
Thank you very much for your help, and thanks for all the great information on the AR-15 you've provided here.
45nut

Unless you have a good connection, I don't think you will get a better weapon for the money than the LEGP weapon. You can always change uppers later on as well as the stock if you like. My Bushy cost me almost $900 about six months ago. Talk to the members in the LEGP forum about the quality/specs of the weapon. Good luck with your purchase.

<font size=2>The Strong Take From The Weak....The Smart Take From The Strong</font id=s2>

If you buy a new rifle you will have to have an FFL licensee transfer (sell) it to you. The local gun shop you mention can order it for you. It sounds as if you are going about this the right way--slow and careful with much research. I own a Bushy and love it. I have an FFL in north Missouri and can help you if you ever get up that way. Good luck. One other thing, you might try Shotgun News to get an idea of prices. It is often available on newstands with magazines. Their phone # is: 1-800-345-6923. Online: www.shotgunnews.com

You'll need to get permission from one of your "pathetic" gun stores to use their FFL to transfer the rifle. Expect to pay a fee of $20 to $40.
Get yourself a copy of The Shotgun News and find a good deal. CDNN,KY Imports, Hoplite, and Kieslers Wholesale (they've got big Bushie sales going) all have AR's available. You'll then send a signed copy of the FFL and payment to the vendor who will send the rifle to your FFL.

What you need to do to start with is pick up a Shotgun News and look thru it. Lately I've see dirt cheap Bushy's. ($600-$650) Of course that's the dealer cost. Now find a local dealer and get a quote on how much he'll charge over cost. (gun+shipping) Decent dealers will charge $20-$25 max. This is how I find the best price on the guns I get.
BTW, where in AR do you live? I live in Texarkana (TX) and go to a dealer in New Boston TX.

I pay a steep price in both sanity and cognitive function with each and every General Discussion thread I visit. -fiver

Here are a couple places to check. Put in the requested info and see if there is someone near you and give him a call. Good Luck!
Auction Arms
[url]207.228.12.69/help/FFLNetwork.cfm[/url]
Gunbroker
[url]www.gunbroker.com/user/dealernetwork.asp[/url]
Shotgun News
[url]www.shotgunnews.com/fflguide/[/url]

Hey-- I do get Shotgun News and you're right there are some good deals in there right now. Problem is one dealer won't handle Bushies (he won't order a new one, but he would handle a transfer...I know, doesn't make any sense), and the other dealer I can't stand. Very, very poor service/attitude. I do know about transferring firearms...done it many times. The dealer mentioned above who won't order me a Bushie does all my transfers for free or maybe charges $5. He's a good guy to deal with, just won't order me a BM.
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll keep looking...there's no hurry. If anybody can add anything else I'd be much obliged!!
BTW, Tex I'm in SE Ark. I do get over toward Texarkana and beyond now and then so maybe I can check out that dealer you mentioned.
Thanks!!

Try Jersey City Armory. Greg is a stand up guy, and has great prices and service. I've bought two Bushmasters from him, and a friend of mine also bought a Bushmaster from him. I think his url is:
[url]http://www.jcarmory.com/[/url]
Definitely buy mail-order. I would recommend against auction sites since you'll rarely get a good deal - and who knows what the person who sold it to you will do if you are unhappy with the rifle.
Good luck!

DK Prof....Thanks for the link, that is what I was looking for....actual dealers on the net.
Lab...To answer your question....well, I wish I could answer your question. I really don't know, he just doesn't seem the least little bit interested. BTW, I have a lab...chocolate...best damn dog ever!
My reservations with the LEGP are that it doesn't have a chrome-lined barrel (important?), absolutely NO rear sights whatsoever w/out paying another $100 plus, and from watching the LEGP section of the forum, I'm beginning to wonder just how long I would have to wait to ever get one. But, I'll admit on first reading about it, I was seriously interested in it.
Thanks to everyone again for your help. If anybody else has any advice...keep it comin'. This board is Great!
Thanks ~nut